1 ECOC 2019 Summit Locations & Directions jkop W1 E. Uintah Street Special Notes *Parking on campus is by permit. However, it will not be enforced on ECOC Summit day. *To reach elevator in Barnes, follow Sign down hall to left. *Cossitt Gym is down steps immediately Barnes ahead inside entrance. To reach elevator in Cossitt, follow Palmer Hall signs down hall ahead, then to right. *In Palmer & Cornerstone, to reach the North 2ndfloor, push #3 in elevator. Cascade Olin Bemis *Sidewalks/ Accessible Routes North *Steep walkway Cutler Nevada *Campus Guides indicated by Cossitt *Entrance to Olin 1 - El Pomar & Make hard right I Worner Armstrong Reid Arena I Around corner.
W. Cache La Poudre E. Cache La Poudre *Accessible building Entrances.
Cornerstone I *Information Desks indicated by: I
*Note: all parking lots have accessible parking, except the westernmost Lot. *Colorado College is a smoke/tobacco- free campus. Welcome: The Board of Directors welcomes you to our flagship program, the 12th Annual Educa ng Children of Color (ECOC) Summit: Building Bridges
Mission: To dismantle the cradle to prison pipeline for children of color and children in poverty, through educa on.
What We Do: ECOC, Inc., provides five programs: The Educa ng Children of Color Summit provides a unique opportunity for educators, juvenile jus ce, and child welfare professionals to enhance their ability to retain and inspire the students they serve. It is also an opportunity for high school students to learn about themselves while they explore higher educa on. Finally, the Summit is an opportunity for parents to learn to communicate with schools and with their children to maximize their child’s success. Through professional registra ons at the Summit we award money to students to help defray the cost of higher educa on. Over the last 11 years, ECOC has awarded more than $160,000 in scholarships and educa onal gi s as well as 160 laptops to students a ending the Educa ng Children of Color Summit.
The Leadership Academy is designed to enhance Student Ambassadors’ leadership capabili es, confidence and ability to pursue college.
SAT Prepara on is a 10 week class that is offered to students to assist with prepara on for the April SAT examina on. Students are expected to a end every week except for Spring Break. Awards are given for perfect a endance, par cipa on, and for the greatest increase in SAT score over the course of the program.
Diversity University is a week‐long ins tute designed to improve the ability of the community to respond to the needs of a culturally diverse popula on.
iInspire recognizes youth from El Paso County, Colorado, who have overcome adversity and in‐ spired others to do the same. iInspire’s goal is to recognize youth who might not receive recogni on, but deserve it. Honorees include youth who have persevered and inspired despite homelessness, serious ill‐ ness, or parental abuse and neglect.
Please visit our website to learn more at www.educatingchildrenofcolor.org Board Members Karin Reynolds, D‐20 School Board, Board President FOLLOW US Alex Malone, Pikes Peak Community College, Board Vice President
Natalia Brunton, Fox Meadows Middle School, Secretary ON TWITTER
Caitlin Geibel, Treasurer (stepping down 1‐1‐19) Door prize winners, schedule
Elaine Nolan, Esq., Treasurer Elect and room changes will be Na’im Briggs, Board Member, High School Student announced on Twi er Rhonda Campbell, Board Member, Educator, School District 49
Joe DeBise, Board Member @ECOCSummit
Louis Fletcher, Board Member, School District 49 LTC Eric Graham, Board Member, United States Army
Mary Katungu, Board Member, Educator
Skyler McPhail, Board Member
Cara Nord, Esq. Board Member
Regina Walter, Execu ve Director
3 An event of this magnitude is impossible without amazing volunteers! The Planning Commi ee and ECOC, Inc. are indebted to:
The Presenters who are giving of their me and exper se!
Dr. Regina Lewis, Diversity University Instructor
Dr. Julie Tetley, Diversity University Instructor
Carlos Gonzalez, State Farm Insurance
Caleb Munro of Youth Celebrate Diversity
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Colorado Springs U li es
The Student Ambassadors and their counselors from Sand Creek High School, Welte Education Center, Widefield High School, Mesa Ridge High School, Sierra High School, Harrison High School, Fountain Fort Carson High School, Palmer High School, Mitchell High School and Air Academy High School.
The Leadership Academy College Mentors from Colorado College, Pikes Peak Community College, and University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The Photographers and Videographers from Rampart High School, and their Instructor, Patrick Moring
Colorado Springs Police Cadets Honor Guard‐Officer in Charge, Sergeant Olav Chaney
The Scholarship Commi ee Volunteers‐Alexandria Staubach, Michele Strub‐Heer, Jordan Strub, Jessica Langley, Benjamin Kinsley, Elizabeth Bueno, Theron Worth, Chelsea Drew Kearney and Durthy Washington
Colorado College President, Jill Tiefenthaler and Dean of Students, Mike Edmonds
The Colorado College Events Staff Brenda Soto, Jeff Hartman, Stephanie Daigle, Bella Vasquez, Angelina Rice, Julia Barre and Bri a Lam
And numerous other volunteers who are commi ed to the success of youth and this event. Thank you!
4 The Educating Children of Color (ECOC) Board expresses gratitude to the individuals that make up the Summit Planning Committee. Their tireless commitment to the event and to ALL youth is truly inspirational. Terrie Blackwell, YMCA Vicki Brown, Summit Co‐ School District 8 Susan Burt, El Paso County Department of Human Services Belenda Cornelius, Pikes Peak Community College Dr. Veronica Corral Chiana Crawford Nicole Deal, USOC Ray Edwards Christina Fischer Dr. Aaron J. Griffen, Sierra High School Jeff Hartmann, Colorado College Linda Hunt‐Stone Dr. Regina Lewis, Pikes Peak Community College Patrica McKenzie Shantelle Nix Mittie Pedraza David Prince, Judge, 4th Judicial District Kathy Robbins Lynn Schulz, El Paso County Department of Human Services Joseph Shelton Janelle Sisneros Gary Smith, Reading Success Alexandria Staubach, El Paso County District Attorney’s Office Don Stevens Liz Lopez Vaughan, 4th Judicial District Myla Wray Harry Yamamura
Ted Stevens is an educator with more than 30 years experience in School District 11. He is currently teaching at St. Mary’s High School. Stevens taught art for more than 20 years, and holds degrees from Kansas State University, UCCS and Adams State University. Stevens is encouraged by the growth of ECOC as a community summit to address the social, edu- cational and institutional inequities and challenges faced by children and families of color in the Pikes Peak Region.
5 July 22‐26, 2019 Pikes Peak Community College Addi onal session will be offered in June (date and loca on TBD) The purpose of this institute is to improve the ability of professionals and the community to respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population. The week long Diversity University is free to all participants, but does require a commitment for the full week. If you are interested please sign up at the ECOC desk. Questions may be directed to Regina Walter, [email protected]
6 February 5 to April 16, 2019 The 10‐week SAT class will be offered for students to assist with preparation for the May SAT examination. Students are expected to attend every week with the exception of Spring Break. Awards will be given for perfect attendance, participation, and for the greatest increase in SAT score over the course of the program. The course instructors will be members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. February 5 to April 16, 2019: Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Register online at www.educatingchildrenofcolor.org or sign up at the ECOC Desk on January 19, 2019. Questions may be directed to Alex Malone [email protected].
Applying for Credit from Adams State University: Professionals applying for 0.5 Graduate Credit from Adams State University are required to: Sign up at the ECOC desk at the conference. Pay $27.50. Attend all conference sessions, including 3 breakout sessions. Actively engage in discussions and activities during these sessions. Complete and turn in feedback/evaluation forms for each session attended. Complete and turn in a reflection paper describing implementation of a strategy resource into their current professional practice; i.e., instruction, parental involvement, counseling, etc. The paper should be no more than two pages, double‐spaced in length. The product will be submitted to Instructor of Records, Judge Regina Walter, [email protected] by February 15, 2019. Please contact Judge Regina Walter at 719‐640‐6633 for more information.
7 ECOC STUDENT SCHEDULE
7:45‐ 8:30 Registra on El Pomar‐Reid Arena 8:30 Session One El Pomar‐Reid Arena 8:30‐ Presenta on of the Colors 8:40 Colorado Springs Police Cadet Honor Guard El Pomar‐Reid Arena 8:40‐ Welcome 8:50 Colorado College President Jill Tiefenthaler El Pomar‐Reid Arena 8:50‐ Film Presenta on 9:00 El Pomar‐Reid Arena 9:00‐ WAWA 9:15 and Ill Se7en El Pomar‐Reid Arena 9:15‐ Keynote 10:0 Victor Woods El Pomar‐Reid Arena 0
10:00‐10:15 Break
Session Two (Students)
Time Session Building & Presenter Room 10:15 12th grade seminar Cornerstone ‐ Celeste 11:30 Theater 10:15 Advoca ng for LGBTQI Issues in School Worner Willy Wilkinson ‐ Center Transgender ac vist, Willy Wilkinson, will lead you through 11:30 LGBTQI rights. Discuss how to advocate for LGBTQI issues, Gaylord how to start GSAs and to navigate 10:15 A BRIDGE TO SUCCESS! Armstrong Dr. Lynnane ‐ George and Learn about the engineering industry, building airplanes, 259A 11:30 and some basic bridge building concepts. Design, build, and Mark Dickerson test a balsa wood bridge. 10:15 BROTHERS & SISTERS ‐ YOU'RE ON MY MIND! Olin Dr. Paul Prosper ‐ and Jerald Gatlin Partner with Omega Psi Phi to address mental health and 1 11:30 African American youth. Explore symptoms and solu ons. 10:15 Careers in Law Enforcement Bemis Rebecca Joines ‐ Join the detec ve who infiltrated the KKK, a homicide Lounge and Trey White 11:30 detec ve and a deputy sheriff/secret service agent in exploring a career in law enforcement.
8 10:15‐ Environmental Jus ce: Finding Your Environmental Ethos Cornerstone Kris n Schmi , 11:30 Join the Na onal Forest Service and explore conserva on Studio C Elena Jimenez, and environmental consciousness. Susan Johnson, Jessica Godinez and Dana Coelho 10:15‐ Finding Strength in Disability Armstrong Natasha Jegede 11:30 Discover ways to share your journey with disabili es and 257A inspire and mo vate others to know they can find the strength to overcome anything. 10:15‐ Hip Hop: Building Bridges and Self Confidence Through Cossi Suavé 11:30 Dance Gym Build confidence, embrace movement and learn the basics of Hip Hop from Chicago choreographer, Suavé.
10:15‐ Immigra on Issues for Youth and Families Palmer Hall Natalie Petrucci, Esq. 11:30 What op ons are available for individuals without lawful Gates immigra on status? What are the risks that families face? Commons What can we do? 10:15‐ In Lak'ech: The Importance of Ethnic Studies Armstrong Jasmine Poblano 11:30 The Mayan phrase "In Lak'ech" means "you are my other 259B me." Learn about ethnic history and its connec on with society's future. 10:15‐ Learn your cons tu onal rights and how to safely assert Armstrong Ian Farrell, Esq. 11:30 them during law enforcement encounters 326 Walli Haley, Esq. Learn your cons tu onal rights with LYRIC. 10:15‐ Los Pasos Necesarios Para Prepararte Para La Universidad Cornerstone Dr. Nancy 11:30 y Las Becas 302 Hernandez Inves gar opciones de colegio y becas. Trae tu celular o laptop. Vas a salir de esta sesión con una lista de colegios y becas. *only offered in Spanish* 10:15‐ SAT Prep Armstrong Ben Baron 11:30 75 minutes of prac cal advice and test taking exercises to 300 improve your SAT score. 10:15‐ The Scholar Iden ty Model for Males of Color: An Cornerstone Dr. Donna Y. Ford 11:30 Overview for Males of Color 301 Be a scholar, not just a student! All males of color can learn from the " Scholar Iden ty Model for Black Males" by Gilman W. Whi ng. 10:15‐ "Secret Ingredients" to Enhance Your Success in Life Reid Arena Rick Reese 11:30 “The source of true passion is the discovery of a clear sense and Brenda Reese of purpose.” Understand the importance of iden fying your purpose in life and the power of the mind. 10:15‐ Self Esteem and Sexual Safety Cornerstone Evelina Gaina 11:30 Join actress and Deaf advocate, Evelina Gaina, and learn to 308 love yourself and establish healthy rela onships. 9 10:15‐ You Don't Hear Me Though . . . Worner Lauren Jackson 11:30 Center Build the bridge of communica on. Explore ways to communi‐ cate with teachers, administrators or parents. WES
11:30 Lunch in Reid Arena ‐ 12:00 12:00‐ Session 3‐Lunch Plenary in Reid Arena 12:45
12:45‐1:00 Break Session Four (Students)
Time Session Building & Presenter Room 1:00‐ 10th and 11th grade seminar Cornerstone 2:15 Celeste Theater
1:00‐ The Art of Cake Design Armstrong Shameeka Ford 2:15 While you learn to decorate a cake, explore career op‐ 259B ons in the Culinary Arts and learn how art, math and sci‐ ence are integral to the field. 1:00‐ Black Girl Blues: An Examina on of Intra‐racial Bullying Armstrong Carolyn Strong 2:15 Put an end to intra‐racial bullying and start building 328 bridges with each other. 1:00‐ Black Lives Ma er In Educa on Armstrong Michael 2:15 Discuss what it takes to become racially literate, advocate 234 Diaz‐Rivera and for yourself, and cri cally challenge white supremacy! Branta Locke 1:00‐ Careers in Construc on and Other Skilled Labor Fields Olin Jerald Gatlin 2:15 The construc on industry is booming! Career minded 1 individuals are needed! Learn about construc on management and skilled trades. 1:00‐ Firefigh ng As a Career Bemis Freddie Barbary, 2:15 Join members of the Colorado Springs Fire Department Lounge Lt. Juliet M. Draper, and learn what it takes to be an EMT/firefighter. Lt. Richard C. Valdez, Lt. Dan Romero, Lt. Mark Romero, Michelle Madrid, Jerome Lemons and Jacob Jones
1:00‐ General Admission Tips / Applying to College Cutler Hall Carlos Jimenez and 2:15 Learn best prac ces for applying to highly selec ve 2nd Floor Pedro Ramirez ins tu ons. Admissions
10 1:00‐ Ge ng Woke: Pro‐Ac ve Thinking in a Re‐Ac ve World Cornerstone Jonathan McMillan 2:15 Develop and prac ce cri cal thinking skills. 130 1:00‐ Hip Hop: Building Bridges and Self Confidence Through Dance Cossi Suavé 2:15 Build confidence, embrace movement and learn the basics of Gym Hip Hop from Chicago choreographer, Suavé. 1:00‐ I AM SHE Armstrong Regina English 2:15 Embrace your greatness. Learn to advocate for the things you 257A are passionate about and to cul vate healthy rela onships with others. 1:00‐ I Think My Best Friend is Planning a Suicide! Palmer Hall Karen Griffen 2:15 Learn about suicide data and recognizing self‐destruc ve 230 behavior. Learn how to get help and prevent suicide. 1:00‐ it's NOT just poetry Armstrong Philip Cur s 2:15 Express yourself through poetry! Increase your self‐awareness 342 and embrace the therapeu c aspects of wri ng and performing your works. 1:00‐ Medical Minds Palmer Hall Dr. Vicki Schober, 2:15 M.D. and Interested in a medical career? Join the doctor, experience an Gates Kimber Knapp emergency room, and discover how doctors diagnose and treat Commons disease. 1:00‐ Rela onships 101 Cornerstone University of 2:15 Northern Colorado Join UNC's Mul cultural Outreach and Recruitment Studio C Ambassadors to discuss how people of color can become Mul cultural Outreach be er at understanding healthy rela onships at all levels. Ambassadors 1:00‐ The Rise and Struggles of Deaf Musicians Cornerstone WAWA 2:15 Join WAWA, Dip Hop Ar st (Hip Hop through deaf eyes), and 308 explore the music careers of 8 deaf musicians. Develop your goals for the future and see music in a new light! 1:00‐ The Search Engine Scavenger Hunt Barnes Lauren Weiss 2:15 Google is one of the most important tools the world has ever 203 seen. Learn to fully harness the internet to find resources that can easily go unno ced. 1:00‐ Self‐Empowerment Through Yoga and Mindfulness Cossi Mackenzi 2:15 Bell‐Nugent Join two‐ me cancer survivor and Colorado College graduate, Studio South Mackenzi Bell‐Nugent, and learn self‐care through yoga and medita on. 1:00‐ Social Ac vism and Climate Change Armstrong Julian Brave 2:15 Noisecat Climate change is here, but it's not too late to do something 300 about it. Learn how you can engage in the global grassroots climate campaign, 350.org. 1:00‐ Telescopes and Imaging Palmer Hall Dr. Dimitri Klebe and 2:15 Dr. Veronica Corral Visualize how light is emi ed from objects and how 121 astronomers collect and image that light with their telescopes. 11 2:15 – 2:30 Break
Session Five (Students)
Time Session Building & Presenter Room 2:30‐ 8th and 9th grade seminar Cornerstone 3:45 Celeste Theater 2:30‐ Become an A orney and Get Paid to Argue Bemis Judge Theresa 3:45 Learn about legal careers from a judge, defense lawyers, Lounge Cisneros prosecutors and civil a orneys. Magistrate Bill Trujillo Yolanda Fennick, Esq. DDA Sam Burney Ma hew Ramirez, Esq. 2:30‐ "Beyond the Lights"‐ Athle cs Cornerstone China Antoine, 3:45 Focus on the skills that it takes to be a great athlete on Studio C Tommie Anderson and off the court. Discuss successful career choices and and Darius Pardner how to cope with life a er athle cs. 2:30‐ Colorado College? Your College Choice? Cutler Hall Carlos Jimenez 3:45 Learn about CC, the Block Plan, experien al learning 2nd Floor opportuni es, Admission, and Financial Aid. A private Admissions school educa on can be an affordable college op on! 2:30‐ Cri cal Habits For Developing an Equity Mindset Palmer Hall Uzma Chowdhury 3:45 If we aren't inten onally equitable, we may become 232B uninten onally inequitable. Explore skills to maintain an equity mindset: reflec on and inves ga on. 2:30‐ Entrepreneurism: Think, Act and Prac ce Skills to Tackle Reid Arena Will Phillips 3:45 All of Life's Challenges. and Wanda Bryant Learn how to develop and prac ce an entrepreneurial mindset to approach life and its challenges.
2:30‐ Finding Your Voice: Sexual Safety for Young Women Olin Dr. Kimberly 3:45 Social Media influences expecta ons on young women. 1 Dickman Examine the defini on of sexual assault and find a voice to express what you want and how to avoid social pres‐ sure. 2:30‐ From Spike Lee to Ava DuVernay: Cinema c Cornerstone Tia Phillips 3:45 Representa on and What It Means for Me 301 Explore empowerment, iden ty and responsibility through cinema c representa ons. 12 2:30‐ Hip Hop: Building Bridges and Self Confidence Through Cossi Suavé 3:45 Dance Gym Build confidence, embrace movement and learn the basics of Hip Hop from Chicago choreographer, Suavé. 2:30‐ Is Sign Language a SuperPower for Deaf People? Cornerstone Paul Simmons and 3:45 Explora on of Sign Language and Educa on of Deaf 308 Bev Buchanan Children in the USA Discover the evolu on of ASL and Deaf Educa on, including the landmark 1952 case of Miller v. DC Board of Educa on, a decisive win for Deaf children of color. 2:30‐ Journalism and Social Jus ce Armstrong Julian Brave 3:45 Journalism is a powerful tool for democracy, equality and 300 NoiseCat jus ce. Learn how to tell stories that ma er to you with award‐winning journalist, Julian Brave NoiseCat. 2:30‐ Medical Minds Palmer Hall Dr. Vicki 3:45 Interested in a medical career? Join the doctor, Gates Schober,M.D. experience an emergency room, and discover how Commons and doctors diagnose and treat disease. Kimber Knapp 2:30‐ Pre‐Employment Transi on Services Armstrong Cheryl Carver 3:45 Learn about the Division of Voca onal Rehab and its 259A services to assist with employment transi on for individuals 15 and up.
2:30‐ Pursuing STEM Degrees at tradi onal Liberal Arts Armstrong Pedro Ramirez 3:45 Colleges; advantages for Students of Color via Mentoring 342 and Research From mentorship to research and financial aid opportuni es, small liberal arts college may provide advantages for SoC in STEM educa on. 2:30‐ The Search Engine Scavenger Hunt Barnes Lauren Weiss 3:45 Google is one of the most important tools the world has 203 ever seen. Learn to fully harness the internet to find resources that can easily go unno ced. 2:30‐ Staying Woke in Today's America Cornerstone Tay Anderson 3:45 Explore poli cs and poli cal movements, like Black Lives 130 Ma er and the crackdown on immigra on. Learn tools to conquer hate and divisiveness in today's society 2:30‐ Walking into your Des ny Armstrong Vanessa Moses 3:45 Educa on is important so make the most of it! Learn me 326 management skills, study habits and how to read for content.
3:45 to 4:00 Break 4:00 to 4:30 Session Six (All) Closing Ceremony, Scholarship and Laptop Awards-Reid Arena
13 ECOC PROFESSIONAL AND COLLEGE STUDENT SCHEDULE
7:45‐ 8:30 Registra on Armstrong Great Hall 8:30 Session One Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman Theater 8:30‐ Presenta on of the Colors Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 8:40 Colorado Springs Police Cadet Honor Guard Theater 8:40‐ Welcome Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 8:50 Colorado College Dean Mike Edmonds Theater 8:50‐ Youth Documentary Academy Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 9:00 Film Presenta on Theater 9:00‐ Building Bridges to Eliminate the Achievement Gap Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 9:15 Regina Walter, ECOC Theater 9:15‐ Keynote‐Building Bridges Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 10:00 Dr. Donna Y. Ford Theater
10:00‐10:15 Break
Session Two (Professional and College Students)
Time Session Building & Presenter Room 10:15‐ 10 things every student of color must know to THRIVE! Cornerstone Jonathan McMillan 11:30 Explore skills and language designed to help inspire, assist, 130 advise, encourage and hold students of color accountable to the greatness they can achieve. 10:15‐ Black Lives Ma er In Educa on Armstrong Michael 11:30 Teach children to become racially literate, advocate for 234 Diaz‐Rivera themselves, and cri cally challenge white supremacy. and Branta Locke
10:15‐ Breaking Bad? School District Leaders’ A tude Regarding Palmer Hall Serena Koissaba 11:30 Racial Dispari es in School Disciplinary Prac ces 232A Examine how administrators’ beliefs about racial dispari es in discipline can contribute to exclusion of and nega ve outcomes for African American students. 10:15‐ Conversa ons A er the Bell Armstrong Jamie Basse 11:30 Learn about conversa ons in communi es of color a er the 301 and bell, build awareness of your impact and prac ce strategies Alice Davis to be a culturally responsive educator.
14 10:15‐ "Don't run and you won't be killed!" Unpacking trauma Armstrong Dr. Darlene 11:30 and its impact on Black youth and law enforcement. 328 Sampson and Address the anger, trauma, and historical impact of Dr. Antwan dehumaniza on and criminaliza on and the effect it has on Jefferson current interac on with law enforcement. 10:15‐ Engaging Black and Brown Males Armstrong Tay Anderson 11:30 Stereotype threat and avoiding ge ng shot are just some Kathryn of the issues young men of color must cope with. Develop Mohrman skills to provide a safe, engaging environment. Theater 10:15‐ Establishing a Meaningful Role for Fathers in Educa ng Armstrong Dwayne Meeks 11:30 Their Children 302 and Terry Meeks Make posi ve connec ons, create posi ve las ng impact, and drive home a posi ve family and school message to create be er academic outcomes. 10:15‐ Human Trafficking in Armstrong Lisa Brandt and 11:30 El Paso County 230 Roger Patrazio Learn how to spot the signs of human trafficking, includes sta s cs, with special a en on on how technology affects the luring of vic ms. 10:15‐ Immigra on Issues for Youth and Families Palmer Hall Natalie Petrucci, Esq. 11:30 What op ons are available for individuals without lawful Gates immigra on status? What are the risks that families face? Commons What can we do? 10:15‐ Mee ng the Needs of Mul lingual Learners Through Bemis Meghan 11:30 Understanding Language Proficiency Levels Great Hall McCracken Understand the stages of second language acquisi on and and language proficiency levels u lizing WIDA materials. Learn Dr. Barbara Dray to monitor linguis c growth.
10:15‐ Parent Engagement Best Prac ces that Directly Impact Palmer Hall Whitney Allen 11:30 Student Academic Success 232 B PIQE is a research‐based approach to parent engagement that increases student achievement and college readiness ‐ especially for children of color. 10:15‐ The Posi ve Impact of Social Emo onal Learning on the Palmer Hall Dr. Susan Field 11:30 School Community 121 and Learn to implement RULER from Yale University and Maureen Lang Sources of Strength to support students' social‐emo onal needs at school. 10:15‐ Pursuing STEM Degrees at tradi onal Liberal Arts Colleges; Armstrong Pedro Ramirez 11:30 advantages for Students of Color via mentoring and 342 research. From mentorship to research and financial aid opportuni es, small liberal arts college may provide advantages for SoC in STEM educa on. 15 10:15‐ “S cks and Stones can break my bones – But “Words Can Armstrong Prof. Beverly 11:30 KILL!” 231 Benne ‐Roberts Help our students look beyond stereotypes and embrace diverse ideas that are based on facts; provide ps on how to create a posi ve school climate.
11:30‐ Lunch in Armstrong Great Hall 12:00 12:00‐ Session 3‐Lunch Plenary in Kathryn Mohrman Theater 12:45 Victor Woods
12:45‐1:00 Break
Session Four (Professionals and College Students)
Time Session Building & Presenter Room 1:00‐ “250” – The New Pipeline to Prison ‐ “Preschoolers???" Armstrong Prof. Beverly 2:15 Pre‐school children of color are being suspended and 231 Benne ‐Roberts expelled at an alarming rate. Focus on early childhood educa on and culturally responsive educators. 1:00‐ Amplifying Youth Voice through a Teen Advisory Board Armstrong Teresa Vogt 2:15 "Nothing about us without us." Learn best prac ces in 230 engaging youth and building a teen advisory board.
1:00‐ Changing the Narra ve: Unpacking Your Bias Palmer Hall Gianina Horton and 2:15 Par cipate in Implicit Bias exercises and assess the impact 232A Michael Acuna of biased decision making.
1:00‐ Crea ng LGBTQ‐Affirming Schools Worner Willy Wilkinson 2:15 Learn how K‐12 schools can foster a posi ve learning Center environment by crea ng affirming systems, and protec ng Gaylord Hall the safety and well‐being of LGBTQ students.
1:00‐ Culturally Responsive Reading: Exploring the LIST Armstrong Durthy Washington 2:15 Paradigm 301 Explore the LIST Paradigm, which helps readers unlock a text with four "keys to culture": Language, Iden ty, Space, and Time. 1:00‐ Fostering Academic Language Development for Emerging Bemis Meghan 2:15 Bilinguals Great Hall McCracken Language‐rich conversa ons are important for academic success of emerging bilinguals. Collabora ve learning strategies can increase par cipa on & engagement!
16 1:00‐ From Spike Lee to Ava DuVernay: Epistemic Responsibility Cornerstone Tia Phillip 2:15 and What Cinema c Representa on Can Mean for the 301 Next Genera on How do we empower, mo vate and teach responsibility in our classrooms? Explore this ques on through the lens of cinema c representa on. 1:00‐ P.T.S.D. And Our Youth Palmer Hall Jason McBride 2:15 Take an honest look at how trauma affects the mental 17 health of our youth. 1:00‐ Reflect & Inves gate: Cri cal Habits For Developing an Palmer Hall Uzma Chowdhury 2:15 Equity Mindset 232B If we aren't inten onally equitable, we may become uninten onally inequitable. Explore skills to maintain an equity mindset: reflec on and inves ga on.
1:00‐ The Scholar Iden ty Model for Males of Color: An Armstrong Dr. Donna Y. Ford 2:15 Overview for Educators Kathryn Males of color o en face challenges and have nega ve Mohrman school experiences. Apply Gilman Whi ng's Scholar Iden ty Theater Model for Black Males to all male students of color. 1:00‐ Understanding Na ve American Students' Views From Armstrong Carolena Jackson 2:15 Tradi onal and Urban Living 302 Focus on improving student outcomes and elimina ng stereotype threat by using appropriate materials represen ng Na ve American culture today. 1:00‐ "What is America to Me?" A Crisis in Iden ty Cornerstone Dr. Aaron Griffen 2:15 Langston Hughes' "I too sing America" is used as a frame‐ 302 work for this session to explore iden ty and invisibility.
2:15 – 2:30 Break Session Five (Professionals and College Students)
Time Session Building & Presenter Room 2:30 ‐ Becoming a Social Emo onal Learning HERO! Palmer Hall Lori Bitar 3:45 Explore fun ideas for personal and professional 17 development while you gain new strategies for you and your students in Social Emo onal Learning. 2:30 ‐ Black Girl Blues: An Examina on of Intra‐racial bullying Armstrong Carolyn Strong 3:45 and alterna ves to suspension 328 Combat disparity in suspension numbers and provide alterna ves to suspension for issues of rela onal aggression. 17 2:30 ‐ Dare to Transgress: Challenging Invisibility Armstrong Dr. Pat Green 3:45 Engage in cri cal reflec on, conscious cri que and peer‐dialogue 234 to address racial iden ty, instruc onal prac ces, power dynamics and social jus ce. 2:30 ‐ Educa on for Resilience and Growth of the Military Child Armstrong Amanda Metcalfe 3:45 In addi on to life’s daily challenges, military children may be 231 dealing with isola on from mul ple moves, a deployed parent, and parents struggling with TBI or PTSD 2:30 ‐ ESSA and Parent Engagement Armstrong Karen Hobson 3:45 Discover ways to enhance parent engagement as required by the 301 and Staci Ruddy Every Student Succeeds Act. 2:30 ‐ How Metro Denver is Disrup ng the School‐to‐Prison Pipeline Palmer Hall Collinus Newsome 3:45 Through Common Sense Discipline 232A Student outcomes and partner school climates are improving through restora ve jus ce and trauma informed frameworks. 2:30 ‐ I Am More than Just a Teacher: Learning to Balance Teaching Palmer Hall Karen Griffen 3:45 While Embracing Self Care 230 Learn to balance life and career using the science of posi ve thinking, being proac ve, and se ng goals. 2:30 ‐ Implementa on of Project Based Learning and the scien fic Palmer Hall Dr. Veronica Corral 3:45 method: pH tes ng. 121 and Dr. Dimitri Klebe Apply the scien fic method to project based learning (PBL) to engage students and transform their learning experience. 2:30 ‐ Is Sign Language a SuperPower for Deaf People? Explora on of Cornerstone Paul Simmons 3:45 Sign Language and Educa on of Deaf Children in the USA 308 and Bev Buchanan Discover the evolu on of ASL and Deaf Educa on, including the landmark 1952 case of Miller v. DC Board of Educa on, a decisive win for Deaf children of color. 2:30 ‐ Making The Connec on Armstrong Victor Woods 3:45 Students must feel comfortable discussing their personal Kathryn challenges in life and make a personal connec on with teachers Mohrman for educa on to begin. Theater 2:30‐ Mindful Reflec on As a Process For Reducing Bias in the Bemis Karin Cecere and 3:45 Classroom Great Hall Dr. Barbara Dray Explore a framework for understanding diversity in the classroom to reduce bias and develop culturally responsive prac ces. 2:30‐ Targeted Campus Instruc on That Works "T.E.A.M.'s" Worner Larry Davis 3:45 Center Targeted Campus Instruc on That Works is about people not programs! It is about using the resources that come naturally to Gaylord Hall change campus culture. 2:30‐ What Foster Parents Can Learn from Black Lives Ma er Armstrong Hope For 3:45 Draw lessons from the jus ce work of civil rights to build a fresh, 230 and Victoria Stone humble culture of foster paren ng. 3:45‐4:00 Break 4:00 to 4:30 Session Six (All) Closing Ceremony, Scholarship and Laptop Awards-Reid Arena 18 ECOC PARENT SCHEDULE
7:45‐ 8:30 Registra on Armstrong Great Hall 8:30 Session One Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman Theater 8:30‐ Presenta on of the Colors Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 8:40 Colorado Springs Police Cadet Honor Guard Theater 8:40‐ Welcome Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 8:50 Colorado College Dean Mike Edmonds Theater 8:50‐ Youth Documentary Academy Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 9:00 Film Presenta on Theater 9:00‐ Building Bridges to Eliminate the Achievement Gap Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 9:15 Regina Walter, ECOC Theater 9:15‐ Keynote‐Building Bridges Armstrong Kathryn Mohrman 10:00 Dr. Donna Y. Ford Theater
10:00‐10:15 Break
Session Two (Parents)
Time Session Building & Presenter Room 10:15‐ Connec ng With Your Tween or Teen Palmer Hall Karen Griffen 11:30 Tips, strategies and processes will be shared to develop win 230 ‐win rela onships with teens and tweens.
10:15‐ Engaging Black and Brown Males Armstrong Tay Anderson 11:30 Stereotype threat and avoiding ge ng shot are just some of Kathryn the issues young men of color must cope with. Develop Mohrman skills to provide a safe, engaging environment. Theater 10:15‐ Family Money Skills: Basic tools for Financial Success Armstrong Susan Sharkey 11:30 Tools to openly discuss money ma ers, develop an 256A understanding of wants versus needs, set savings goals, earn money, shop wisely, plan, and bank with purpose. 10:15‐ Immigra on Issues for Youth and Families Palmer Hall Natalie Petrucci, Esq. 11:30 What op ons are available for individuals without lawful Gates immigra on status? What are the risks that families face? Commons What can we do?
19 10:15‐ The Importance Of Technology Access For Children Of Palmer Hall Marcus Ellis 11:30 Color And Poverty 17 Experience virtual reality and explore how technology in K‐12 educa on can significantly influence the future of students.
11:30‐ Lunch in Armstrong Great Hall 12:00 12:00‐ Session 3‐Lunch Plenary in Kathryn Mohrman Theater 12:45 Victor Woods 12:45‐1:00 Break Session Four (Parents)
Time Session Building & Presenter Room # 1:00‐ Behind The Mask Worner Tracy Asher 2:15 Understand the Myths and Facts of mental illness and Center and Yolanda learn the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety. WES Lewis‐Harris 1:00‐ Crea ng LGBTQ‐Affirming Schools Worner Willy Wilkinson 2:15 Learn how K‐12 schools can foster a posi ve learning Center environment by crea ng affirming systems, and Gaylord Hall protec ng the safety and well‐being of LGBTQ students. 1:00‐ Entrepreneurship: Thrive! Colorado Springs Armstrong Taj Stokes 2:15 Thrive! Colorado Springs equips entrepreneurs so they 256A thrive in star ng businesses that li communi es. 1:00‐ Re‐Engaging Families (Moving Parents from Being Just Armstrong Gwen Samuel 2:15 Empowered To Being In Power) 259A Learn three key strategies‐Think, Evaluate, and Assess when making decisions about your child’s educa on. Take a posi on of power to make community change. 1:00‐ The Scholar Iden ty Model for Males of Color: An Armstrong Dr. Donna Y. Ford 2:15 Overview for Educators Kathryn Males of color o en face challenges and have nega ve Mohrman school experiences. Apply Gilman Whi ng's Scholar Iden ty Theater Model for Black Males to all male students of color. 2:15 – 2:30 Break Session Five (Parents)
Time Ac vity Building Presenter 2:30‐ The Advantage of My Child's Invisibility: Leading and Cornerstone Dr. Aaron Griffen 3:45 Learning to Overcome Those Who Do Not See “Me” 302 Learn about social constructs, why they exist, and how they render a child invisible. It is in recognizing our children's invisibility that we teach them to be powerful. 20 2:30‐ The Choking Game Armstrong Petra 3:45 An introduc on to a deadly challenge from the 256A Verhoeven‐Jordan perspec ve of law enforcement and a parent whose child and Don Roycra died as a result of the game. 2:30‐ Is Sign Language a SuperPower for Deaf People? Cornerstone Paul Simmons 3:45 Explora on of Sign Language and Educa on of Deaf 308 and Bev Buchanan Children in the USA Discover the evolu on of ASL and Deaf Educa on, including the landmark 1952 case of Miller v. DC Board of Educa on, a decisive win for Deaf children of color. 2:30‐ Making The Connec on Armstrong Victor Woods 3:45 Students must feel comfortable discussing their personal Kathryn challenges in life and make a personal connec on with Mohrman teachers for educa on to begin. Theater 2:30‐ Speak Now ‐ Star ng the Conversa on with Youth about Worner Taryn Bailey 3:45 Substance Use Center Ac vely learn best prac ces on star ng a conversa on WES about substance misuse and abuse, and gain confidence in having those conversa ons with youth. 2:30‐ Successfully Naviga ng the College Planning Process Armstrong Myla Wray 3:45 Assess: college readiness, schools, budget, scholarship 302 opportuni es, hidden costs and how to keep track of your student’s performance in college.
3:45 to 4:00 Break
4:00 to 4:30 Session Six (All) Closing Ceremony, Scholarship and Laptop Awards-Reid Arena
To sponsor future ECOC Summits, please contact either Evelyn D. Taylor Kathy Robbins (719) 338-5076 OR (727) 278-3258 [email protected] [email protected]
21 Michael Acuna - Office of the Independent Monitor, Denver Michael Acuna is a consultant for the Office of the Independent Monitor's Bridging the Gap: Kids & Cops youth outreach project. When he is not facilitating conversation between Denver youth and police officers, he creates music to speak about issues that impact his community and life.
Whitney Allen - Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) Whitney Allen has worked for the Future Center of Westminster Public Schools for four years. She runs the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) Parent Engagement Program at Parent Academy for Student Success (PASS). PIQE is dedicated to achieving economic and social equality through education. PIQE/PASS are powerful 9-week programs offered in 16 languages that provide families with the knowledge and skills to partner with schools and communities to ensure their children achieve their full potential. This program has helped more than 663,000 parents, which in turn has enhanced the education of more than 1.9 million students in California and 14 other states.
Tay Anderson - Educator Tay Anderson is a proud union educator who has worked in Aurora and Denver public schools. He has served the Democratic Party in many roles, including State Central Committeeman for House District 9, Chair of the Colorado High School Democrats, and High School and College Outreach Coordinator for the Denver Young Democrats. Tay also served as a legislative aide in the Colorado House of Representatives.
Tommie Anderson - Probation Officer, Colorado 4th Judicial District Tommie graduated from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. He began his career as a licensed private investigator. He then found his passion for helping at-risk youth when he became a campus security officer at Montbello High School. Now, he is a probation officer for the State of Colorado in the 4th Judicial District, based in Colorado Springs.
China Antoine - Healthy Living Director, Pikes Peak Region YMCA in Colorado Springs Originally from Madison, Alabama, China graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology - Recreation Management, where she was a Division 1 Athlete. In 2014, she received her Master of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Administration. With over 20 years of experience in athletics, health, and wellness, as an athlete and coach, China currently works for the “Y” in Colorado Springs as the director of the Healthy Living program. She has also been a certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) instructor, youth exercise specialist, Rock Steady boxing coach, and interscholastic coach.
Tracy Asher - Board Member, Empowering Minds Nurturing Souls Non-Profit Tracy Asher is a veteran who served in Iraq during Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. A licensed minister and board member of the Empowering Minds Nurturing Souls non-profit organization, she is also certified in Mental Health First Aid and phlebotomy. Tracy recently graduated from Pikes Peak Community College with her Associate in Applied Science in Medical Office Technology, earning cum laude honors. Tracy is the mother of a beautiful daughter and grandmother to a handsome six-year old grandson.
Taryn Bailey - Youth Substance Use Prevention Planner, El Paso County Public Health With nearly 15 years of experience in health promotion and education for youth and adults, working to empower individuals to make the healthiest choices for themselves and their families, Taryn Bailey is currently the youth substance use prevention planner at El Paso County Public Health. Originally from New Mexico, Taryn enjoys an active Colorado lifestyle and spending time with her 13-year old son, Matthew, and their dog, Max. Freddie Barbary - Human Resources Recruiter, Colorado Springs Fire Department
Ben Baron - Owner, Baron Education Baron Education includes CollegeDrive preparation, providing students with strategies and tools to achieve their highest possible scores on the SAT and other standardized tests, and Drive Safe, Colorado’s largest provider of driver education.
22 Jamie Bassett - Professional Learning Specialist for Culturally Responsive Education, Denver Public Schools Jamie has worked with the Denver Public Schools for seven years, currently as a professional learning specialist for culturally responsive education. Jamie has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Colorado College and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University, Global Campus. Jamie is passionate about supporting educators in building authentic and impactful relationships with Denver Public Schools students, families, and communities. She is married and has two young girls.
Mackenzi Bell - Nugent-Dance Instructor Mackenzi earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Race & Ethnic Studies from Colorado College. Mackenzi is aware of intersectionality and strives for representation for communities of color. Mackenzi and movement should be synonymous. Mackenzi is a two-time cancer survivor and utilizes yoga, dance, and other movement forms to create happy and healthy living. As a yogabhasi and a professional dancer, Mackenzi has always used movement to empower and heal; even through obstacles like chemotherapy. She believes that an idle body leads to an overworked mind.
Beverly Bennett - Roberts - Professor of Early Childhood Education and Special Education Beverly Bennett-Roberts aka "Professor" is a professor of Early Childhood Education and Special Education as well as the project coordinator for Early Childhood Leadership Institute Scholarship Program for the University of the District of Columbia, in Washington. She is also a renowned social justice advocate and an equity and diversity consultant. Professor Bennett-Roberts instills in her students: "When we treat all children the same, we favor some and penalize others."
Lori Bitar - Educator Lori Bitar is an award-winning education expert who is passionate about ensuring that EVERY STUDENT has a GREAT TEACHER. Lori earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Teacher Education from the University of Illinois and her Master of Science in Reading K-12 from Nova Southeastern University. She has over 24 years of educational experience in all sectors of the market: private, public, and charter schools. She is a former Disney American Teacher nominee, Teacher of the Year, and the proud recipient of a Governor’s TOP 100 Middle School award. Her newest book, SOS! Save Our Students: Solutions for Schools, Staff, Students, Stakeholders, & Society offers stories and solutions that will help you fight the arch- enemies of education (including poverty, bureaucracy, illiteracy, legislation, and more).
Lisa Brandt - Education Awareness Chair, Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado Lisa has 10 years of experience in anti-human trafficking advocacy, coordinating community awareness events, and providing training in the D.C. metro area and in El Paso County.
Wanda Bryant - Entrepreneur Nation, Inc. Wanda provides the “technology underpinning” for Entrepreneur Nation. Her entrepreneurial background includes the successful start-up of her own company, A2Z Designs, LLC. in 2013. She provides technology support to multiple small business ventures and religious organizations throughout the country.
Beverly Buchanan - University of Colorado at Colorado Springs An intrepid Canadian who grew up with a Deaf family in Nova Scotia,. Bev received her Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Master of Arts in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University in Washington DC, and a Master of Science in Deaf Education from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. She is pursuing her Doctorate in Education in Deaf Studies and Deaf Education at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. She worked at Gallaudet University in a variety of positions in diverse offices including Campus Housing, the English Language Institute, and Campus Life. Bev has cycled across the United States twice, visited 61 countries, and lived in Thailand for 3 years teaching English to Deaf Thai children in Bangkok. Bev lives in Colorado Springs and works at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs as a member of the American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Faculty.
Sam Burney, Esq. - Deputy District Attorney for the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office
Michelle Denee Carter - Olympic Gold Medalist Michelle Denee Carter is an American shot putter, and the current Olympic women's champion. She is the current American record holder in the event with a distance of 20.63 m set at the 2016 Olympic Games. Carter became the first US women's athlete to win the event since the women's competition began at the 1948 Summer Olympic Games. She received a full track scholarship to The University of Texas, where she graduated in 2007 with a degree in Youth and Communities Studies, and a minor in Kinesiology. Carter is also a certified professional make-up artist; information about her work is available on shotdiva.com.
23 Cheryl Carver, M.A., CRC, CVE - Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Cheryl Carver has been a counselor and vocational evaluator for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for the past eighteen years. She manages Youth Services and Transition statewide including oversight of the day-to-day operations of the School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP), Project Search, higher education and pre-employment transition services. She works to uphold federal regulations pertaining to young adults with disabilities, as she supports them in building career pathways that lead to productive careers in Colorado’s workforce.
Karin Cecere - Literacy Specialist, Boulder Valley School District Karin has served as a Descubriendo la Lectura and Reading Recovery teacher leader. For the past 15 years, she has also worked as a bilingual literacy coach, reading specialist, and classroom teacher in Denver Public Schools. Prior to her career as a teacher, she worked in Mexico City for the World Health Organization as an editor, and at Citibank in Operations Research. A “border crosser” herself, her passion is teaching diverse students to function to their fullest potential. She helps students seize the same advantages she has as a multilingual, multicultural citizen of the United States in the 21st Century.
Uzma Chowdhury, M.A. - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, Denver School of Science and Technology Before joining Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) Charter Schools, Uzma worked for Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) New Jersey where she led several programs around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. DSST Public Schools is widely considered one of the leading open enrollment STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) schools in the United States, and has become a destination for educators nationwide. DSST schools are home to the highest performing and highest growth secondary schools in Denver Public Schools, and to date, 100% of their graduates have earned acceptance into four-year colleges and universities. Uzma’s experience includes recruitment and sponsoring, organizing, implementing student advocacy and leadership groups, community collaboration and organization, and developing affinity groups.
Honorable Theresa Cisneros - Judge, 4th Judicial District Judge Cisneros received her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Colorado at Denver and her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver. Starting her legal career as a Colorado deputy public defender, she then maintained a private practice in Colorado Springs specializing in criminal defense and juvenile law. In 1997, she was the first Latina appointed as a District Court Judge in Colorado. In 2006, she was awarded the Colorado State Judicial Branch’s Spirit of the Summit Award in recognition of her efforts to create a legal environment in child welfare that provides equal and effective representation of all parties. In 2009, she joined Judge David Shakes and Judge David Prince in starting Judicially Speaking, a Colorado-based civics education program that received the 2015 Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Advancement of Education.
Veronica Corral - Founder, Welcome Science! Veronica Corral holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Polymer Technology, a Master of Science in Materials Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She has conducted scientific research in functional materials for more than 10 years and has more than 15 years of teaching experience from middle school to graduate education. Veronica is author/coauthor of three book chapters and 26 scientific papers. She recently founded Welcome Science! a nonprofit organization that supports schools in implementing project-based learning and all types of science projects.
Philip J. Curtis - Writer, Performance Poet, and Mentor A native New Yorker, with roots in Jamaica West Indies, Philip arrived on the Colorado Springs scene in 2006. Performing throughout Colorado as a writer and performance poet, Mr. Curtis (known as the “Midnight Poet) is an avid community steward. He has facilitated poetry workshops at high schools as well as discussion groups throughout the community. In 2010, he established Poetry 719 on Facebook, to foster and support the freedom of self-expression in spoken and written word through community connection, education, and poetic unity for all ages.
Alice Davis - Career Development Facilitator A Colorado native, Alice holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Colorado State University and is a trained career development facilitator. As an experienced business leader, Alice is knowledgeable about strategic planning and team effectiveness, program design and management, cultural engagement, leadership development, cross functional team leadership, conflict resolution, training design, and facilitation. As a Pacific Islander American with deep and well- watered roots, Alice was taught at a young age to “never forget where she came from.” This is what has propelled her to become a dedicated pioneer in the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She enjoys gardening, traveling, living and laughing with her husband, children, and dog Biggie.
24 Larry D. Davis - Educator Larry Davis is a second-career educator with over 20 years of teaching and administrative experience. Prior to becoming an educator Mr. Davis worked for 14 years as a general manager and recruiter in the corporate world. Larry received his master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and his bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Arlington. He also holds an associate degree from Weatherford College. Larry has extensive experience in education, including eight years of teaching and 12 years as an administrator. Larry is the author of two books, Preparing to Pass the TExES Principal Exam and The Re-Education of the African American Child in Today’s School System. He is also the creator of several educational platforms for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and central office staff.
Michael Diaz-Rivera - Educator A revolutionary educator, Michael was born in Colorado Springs and now teaches in Denver. Black Lives Matter 5280 builds more loving and united Black communities while eliminating anti-Black violence and racism. To expose, address, and eradicate structural oppression in Denver, BLM5280 uses a holistic racial justice approach that strengthens health and wellness, community building, educational programming, economic sustainability, and direct-action strategizing. This approach to racial equity is fortified by a commitment to educational equity and other aspects of black love.
Mark C. Dickerson, Col. USAF (Retired) - Colorado Technical University Dickerson holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics from Cornell University, a Master of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Stanford, and a Master of Business Administration from Regis. He is president of the Hubert L. “Hooks” Jones chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated, serves with a non-profit dedicated to opening aviation opportunities for injured vets, and is a life member of the Air Force Association. Dickerson is also a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and a former member of the AIAA Flight Test Technical Committee. Serving on the Adjunct Faculty of Colorado Technical University, where he teaches physics, he is a flight instructor and Tow Pilot with his Soaring Club, a member of the men’s leadership team at his church and has recently published his second book “WARNING: This Book May Get You Killed,” a study of heroism by everyday people. Col. Dickerson retired from the Air Force with over 4500 hours of flying time in over 40 aircraft types. He is a graduate and former Deputy Commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School and is also an Associate Fellow and former Board Member with the Society of Experimental Test Pilots
Kimberly Dickman, M.D. - United States Air Force Academy Dr. Kimberly Dickman works in sexual assault prevention and response for the United States Air Force Academy. Her background is in education, mental health counseling, and human sexuality. Her engaging presentations not only capture audience attention but also propel behavior change.
Juliet Draper - Lieutenant, Colorado Springs Fire Department
Barbara Dray, Ph.D. - Language Development Specialist, Boulder Valley School District In addition to her role as a language development specialist, Dr. Dray also serves as a private consultant with Transforming Practices in Education, LLC. With over 20 years of experience as a social justice educator, Dr. Dray is a former speech therapist and special education teacher in bilingual classrooms and a professor of bilingual/ESL and special education. Her research, publications, and presentations focus on supporting ALL teachers to become language teachers, improving practices for emerging bilingual learners, and preventing inappropriate placement of diverse learners in special education. Dr. Dray’s classic publication Mindful Reflection as a Process for Developing Culturally Responsive Practices appeared in TEACHING Exceptional Children (Dray & Wisneski, 2011), was featured by SPLC Teaching Tolerance - https:// www.tolerance.org/magazine/mindfulness-helps-reduce-unequal-discipline & appears in Zaretta Hammond’s book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain.
Mike Edmonds, Ph.D. - Dean of Students/Vice President of Student Life Colorado College Mike has served Colorado College for nearly 30 years, also serving as an executive in residence in the Economics and Business Department. He holds bachelor’s, master's, and doctoral degrees from Ole Miss. He was inducted as a Hall of Fame graduate in 1984, completed a post-graduate institute at Harvard University, and is a graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership.
25 Marcus Ellis - Chief Network Engineer, Harrison School District 2 Raised in Colorado Springs, Marcus grew up the oldest of three boys in a low-income family raised by an amazing single mother. As an at-risk young person, he spent five years on probation during which he was incarcerated multiple times at Spring Creek Youth Correctional Facility. After barely graduating high school in Harrison School District 2, he joined the United States Navy where he spent four years before taking a computer technician position in HSD2. He’s been with HSD2 for about seven years.
Ian Farrell, Esq. - Associate Professor, University of Denver Sturm College of Law Prior to joining the University of Denver, Ian was an Emerging Scholars Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law. Professor Farrell has a law degree from the University of Wollongong in Australia, a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Law from the University of Texas School of Law. His scholarship has been published in the Texas Law Review, William & Mary Law Journal, Boston College Law, Florida State Law Review, Houston Law Review, Yale Law Journal Online, and the Columbia Law Review Sidebar. Yolanda Fennick, Esq. - Family Law Attorney, Colorado Springs
Susan Field, Ph.D. - Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Academy School District 20 Dr. Susan Field has served as a public educator for 30 years as a classroom teacher and elementary principal.
Donna Ford, Ph.D. - Professor of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University Professor Ford conducts research primarily in gifted education and multicultural/urban education. Specifically, her work focuses on: (1) recruiting and retaining culturally different students in gifted education; (2) multicultural and urban education; (3) achievement gaps; (4) minority student achievement and underachievement; and (5) family involvement. She consults with school districts, educational and legal organizations in the areas of gifted education, Advanced Placement, and multicultural/urban education. Professor Ford earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Urban Education, Masters of Education degree and Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and Spanish from Cleveland State University.
Shameeka Ford - Culinary arts instructor and small business owner Shameeka Ford is a culinary arts instructor and small business owner, with Associate of Applied Science degrees in Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts, and Food Service Management, as well as an Associate of Arts Degree in Education from Pikes Peak Community College. A member of the American Culinary Federation, she is a certified pastry chef and culinarian who has been an executive pastry chef at one of the city’s top fine-dining restaurants. She is also a Colorado State Board of Community Colleges Credential holder. Shameeka works with her community and young adults to prepare them for productive lives in the culinary arts field.
Hope Forti - Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Hope decided to get involved with child welfare in 2014, after giving birth to her son. Seeing the importance of nurturing adults in helping a child thrive, Hope decided to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Hope has advocated for 16 children through CASA and her experience revealed that foster care was not as “scary” as she had thought. So, she decided to become a foster mom as well. Since 2015, she’s fostered children, age 10 days to 12 years, and most enjoys the reunification process. Having fostered four kids and reunified two with their original families, Hope started “Foster Together Colorado” to tell the human stories of foster care and give the wider community simple ways to help.
Erin Fowler - UCCS Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic Ms. Fowler has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health, 10 of those as a practicing psychotherapist in the Pikes Peak community. Ms. Fowler has served in diverse roles, including as a clinical supervisor, case manager, and media consultant/ community educator regarding mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She served a variety of populations along the Front Range through her work with AspenPointe, TESSA and Urban Peak, prior to joining the team at the Veterans Health and Trauma clinic. Ms. Fowler’s focus is treating children, teens, families, and adults with histories of complex trauma, homelessness, domestic violence, multiple hospitalizations, and severe emotional dysregulation. Ms. Fowler earned her Master of Arts in Community Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.
Evelina Gaina - Actress, Entrepreneur, Event Planner, Storyteller, Teacher, and Director Romanian born, American raised, Evelina broke into acting at DeafWest Theater and moved into on-stage acting for several local productions before landing her first television role on CBS’s Cold Case in 2008 and on Night Sky in 2009. In 2010, she appeared in an American Sign Language (ASL) Films production, Black Sand, featuring four students on a suspenseful Spring Break in Costa Rica.
26 Jerald Gatlin - Community Outreach Coordinator, Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council Jerald Gatlin is a retired military officer and graduate of the Command & General Staff College with a bachelor’s in Psychology and Business Management. As the community outreach coordinator for the Colorado Building & Construction Trades Council, he is responsible for promoting and educating the public about opportunities in joint labor/management apprenticeship programs. He is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He volunteers for Teen Court and is an ambassador for the Fountain Valley “Communities That Care” Youth Involvement Group.
Lynnane George, Ph.D., Lt. Col. (US Air Force Retired) - Professor of Engineering, University of Colorado Colorado Springs & Webster University Lynnane George earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech and later went on to get her doctorate in mechanical engineering, specializing in robotics. After graduation, Lynnane joined the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During her time in the Air Force, she worked on rockets and satellite systems. One of her favorite assignments was launching a Titan rocket, which stands 27 stories tall, into space from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida.
Karen Gonzalez - Multicultural Outreach Ambassador, University of Northern Colorado
Patricia Green, Ph. D - University of Colorado Colorado Springs Dr. Patricia Green is a university supervisor and lecturer for pre-service teachers in the Teacher Education Licensing Program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Dr. Green also serves as an adjunct professor at Argosy University. Dr. Green retired from K-12 education after serving 34 years in the roles of speech language pathologist and elementary assistant principal. Her research interests include student achievement, culturally relevant pedagogy, race dialogue, and teacher preparation for working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Aaron J. Griffen, Ph.D. - Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Denver School of Science and Technology Dr. Griffen is a national presenter, guest lecturer, panelist, writer, and reviewer for urban education policy and analysis and culturally responsive pedagogy. He serves as the co-chair of School-Community Partnerships for the American Educational Research Association Special Interest Group (SIG) - A Critical Examination of Race, Ethnicity, Class and Gender in Education. Dr. Griffen is on the programming committee for both the ECOC and the African American Youth Leadership Conference. Dr. Griffen is the 2013 recipient of the Urban Education Teaching Award from Texas A&M University.
Karen Griffen - Educator Karen Griffen is an innovator, mother, wife, educator, presenter, and woman of God. Karen has been in education for more than 23 years, and she is pursuing a doctoral degree in education. Karen is from Houston, TX and now resides in Denver. Karen enjoys motivating children, women, and educators to always do their best. She is a servant leader who aspires for greater achievements as she enjoys life.
Walli Haley, Esq. - Deputy Public Defender, State of Colorado At the age of 49, Walli Haley left her job as a public relations specialist for the University of Texas at El Paso and entered law school in Lansing, Michigan. Following graduation, she became a public defender in Colorado Springs and soon her law practice focused on defending kids accused of crimes. For more than a decade, Walli has learned that defending children as young as 10 is one of the hardest and most rewarding things a lawyer can do. She has learned that almost all her clients have suffered from trauma, and that the legal system is not necessarily equipped to help and understand them.
Nancy Hernandez, Ph.D. - Metro State University Dr. Hernandez is a Mexican-American bilingual daughter of immigrants with over 16 years of experience in the education and nonprofit sectors. Her previous employers include the Gill Foundation, the Colorado Parent Information and Resource Center, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and the Westminster Public Schools Foundation. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, Research, and Policy from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and is adept at working with first generation students and their families as they work through the education pipeline in pursuit of higher education. Her doctoral research is on Latino/a students who earned less than a 3.0 GPA in high school and who successfully earned a college degree. Nancy also holds a Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University and a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) in Philosophy from Colorado College.
27 Karen Hobson - Director, Colorado PTA Membership Karen Hobson is the current Colorado PTA Membership Director. She has over 20 years working with parents and educators to improve family engagement. Gianina Horton - Program Manager, Independent Monitor’s Bridging the Gap Gianina Horton became involved in the Bridging the Gap: Kids and Cops youth outreach project after noticing injustices occurring in her community. This innovative project’s goal is to educate youth and police officers to build better understanding and community. She is a graduate of Colorado College.
Carolena Jackson - Program Coordinator Indian Education Office, Colorado Springs School District 11
Lauren R. Jackson, Esq. - Attorney and Founder of IMANEE A graduate of the Howard University School of Law, Lauren Jackson served as President of the Student Bar Association and a member of the Huver I. Brown Trial Advocacy Team. She was a student attorney with the Civil Rights Clinic and argued before the United States Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit. She holds a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Marketing and Sports Management and a minor in Africana Studies from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in Public Administration.
Antwan Jefferson, Ph.D. - University of Colorado Denver Dr. Jefferson's professional goal is to be a community scholar whose work is deeply connected to the needs and experiences of families and youth in the local community. A primary interest is adapting qualitative inquiry strategies to understand the school experiences of families and communities in geographic areas immediately surrounding, impacting, and contextualizing schools. He also aims to utilize his research agenda to support local communities facing issues of equity in schooling.
Natasha Jegede - Aspiring Motivational Speaker and Librarian Natasha was diagnosed with the disability known as autism when she was four years old because she could not speak. She also experienced developmental delays. While growing up, she struggled academically with concepts, especially math and reading. Having no self-esteem or motivation for her own future, it was not until she was in middle school that she finally found out that she had a disability. With supportive teachers, she graduated high school in the top half of her class. She attends college in Minnesota and participates in numerous leadership roles and clubs.
Carlos Jimenez - Director of Admission Outreach and Recruitment, Colorado College Carlos received his Bachelor of Arts in American Political Science and History from Colorado College and his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis in Student Affairs in Higher Education, from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Rebecca Joines - Detective, Colorado Springs Police Department Detective Joines is originally from Illinois and attended Western Illinois University, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. Detective Joines was hired by the Colorado Springs Police Department in 2012, where she served as a patrol officer in the Sand Creek Division, a detective with the Domestic Violence and Adult Sexual Assault Unit, and is currently a detective in the Homicide/Assault Unit.
Jacob Jones - Firefighter, Colorado Springs Fire Department
Dimitri Klebe, Ph.D. - Mobile Earth & Space Observatory Dimitri Klebe received a B.S. in Physics and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics. He spent part of his career as a space science content specialist at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, while maintaining an active research career developing an infrared and visible imaging instrument used for meteorological research. Dimitri leads the Mobile Earth & Space Observatory, a science center on wheels that offers hands-on educational and research activities focused on earth and space sciences, renewable energy, and scientific instrumentation.
Serena Koissaba - Educator Serena is a doctoral candidate in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. Her research interests include the influence of racial thought on public education policy, particularly in small rural and urban schools. She has worked in international education for 18 years with a focus on providing educational access to children from vulnerable populations.
28 Maureen Lang - Director for Professional Learning, Academy School District 20 Maureen has 35 years of experience as a public educator. In addition to her current position, she has served as a classroom teacher and elementary principal.
Jerome Lemons - Firefighter Driver, Colorado Springs Fire Department
Yolanda Lewis-Harris - Director of the Counseling Center, Pikes Peak Community College Yolanda is the CEO and Owner of Empowering Minds Nurturing Souls, Inc. She worked as a social worker for over 24 years in several states. She graduated from Texas Women's University with a Bachelor of Social Work and received her master’s degree from University of Northern Colorado. Yolanda is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board-Certified Counselor, an Addiction Counselor Level III, is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is EMDR trained. She is a member of Signature Leadership Pikes Peak.
Branta Lockett - Educator Branta is a revolutionary educator from Miami, currently teaching in the Denver community. Black Lives Matter demands an investment in the education, health, and safety of Black people, rather than an investment in criminalizing, caging, and harming Black people. BLM wants an investment in Black communities, determined by Black communities, and divestment from exploitative forces including prisons, fossil fuels, police, surveillance and exploitative corporations.
Michelle Madrid - Firefighter Driver, Colorado Springs Fire Department
Jason McBride - G.R.A.S.P. Jason McBride has worked within the East Denver community since 2010. Born and raised in the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver, Jason decided to step away from the gang lifestyle and give back to the community he loves. Jason’s passion for the community is shown through several programs he runs in the metro area. His objective is to show youth options in education and career choices they might not have been exposed to. Jason hopes to help kids with his four points to success: 1. Surround yourself with the right people. 2. Self-motivation 3. Tell your family and friends you LOVE them. 4. Don’t be afraid to achieve!
Meghan McCracken - Language Development Specialist, Boulder Valley School District Meghan has been in education for more than 20 years. She has been an outdoor educator, middle school content teacher, ELD teacher, and instructional coach. Her current focus is on Culturally Responsive Teaching practices. She supports teachers and principals to develop best instructional practices for language and content learning. She has previously taught middle school in School District 27J, Boulder Valley School District, and at the American School Foundation of Guadalajara.
Jonathan McMillan - Outreach Worker Gang Reduction of Denver Initiative (GRID) Jonathan is employed by the City and County of Denver’s office of Public Safety, working in the GRID project. He also assists the Faith Council, which oversees the Safe Haven Project, providing immediate community support in the aftermath of gang related violence. Jonathan is the founder and Director of Be Better Than Average, a company that provides success skills and personal development training through mentoring and life coaching services. He has authored two books, the most recent is titled I Am Better Than Average: 101 Affirmations to Help You Build & Live A Better Than Average Life. He is active with My Brother’s Keeper-Denver and Kids and Cops: Bridging the Gap. In 2018, he was elected as the chairman of the Denver African American Commission where he works to be an advocate for disenfranchised citizens by crafting programs and recommending legislation for the mayor to support. He sits on the advisory board of Park Hill Strong, a Youth Violence Prevention Project and the Near Northeast Trauma Informed Practices Committee.
Dwayne Meeks - Founder and Executive Director, Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring A husband and father of seven, with more than 27 years of experience in public service, Mr. Meeks is the founder and Executive Director of the award-winning fatherhood program, Urban Color Arts and Mentoring. Urban Color focuses on the importance of fathers in the family arrangement. He is also President of the Colorado African American Drug Policy Coalition. Meeks is a strategic interventionist and thought leader in the field of fathers and families. He is the author of Pieces Never Missing Required in a Childs Life. Meeks has also hosted a radio talk show, “Meeks Speaks,” focusing on the issues of at-risk youth and trauma in the school-to-jail pipeline.
29 Terry Meeks - Founder and Director, Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring Terry is the co-founder and Director of Urban Colors Arts and Mentoring. She has more than twenty-five years of experience in Public Health Services. She represents the rights of women and children who are marginalized by systemic and economic inequities in society. Terry is passionate about addressing the issues of mental health challenges of low- income families. She is Co-Chair of the Colorado African American Drug Policy Coalition in Denver, an affiliate organization to the National African American Drug Policy Coalition in Washington D.C.
Amanda Metcalf, Ph.D., LPC - Instructor and Counselor, United States Air Force Academy Dr. Metcalfe holds a doctorate in Leadership, Research, and Foundations from the University of Colorado and has spent twenty years serving the Colorado Springs community as a community and military counselor and consultant. She has five years of trauma support with Ft. Carson’s Warrior Transition Unit, with over 200 clinical service plan implementations supporting active duty service members through the emotional and physical wounds of military operations, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Previous involvement with the military included Surge Counseling Support for Fort Bliss’s 1st Armored Division, 3rd (Heavy Attack-Reconnaissance) Squadron, and 6th Cavalry Regiment, in returning from Afghanistan and performance support for 2012 Wounded Warrior Games for the U.S. Navy. Her recent research focused on post-trauma growth and feminist cultural leadership through research travel to Cuba, Kurdistan, Palestine, Rwanda, and Uganda. Current academic efforts have been dedicated to the empowerment of women in global leadership roles.
Vanessa Moses - Owner, Soaring Peaks: Life Coaching and Tutoring Services With seven degrees currently, Dr. Moses’ main goal in life is to continue to be a life-long learner and to impart knowledge to students and teachers. She worked in higher education for over 18 years, helping write and design courses. She has coached students to reach their next goal in life. With a passion for education and a deep desire to reach out to individuals no matter life circumstances, she founded Soaring Peaks. This organization offers life-coaching services and tutoring in multiple areas. Dr. Moses also owns, Afghan, Quilts, and Things. This business dabbles on the creative side, making quilts, Afghans, dog beds, baby and dog blankets, and pillows.
Collinus Newsome - Director of Education, The Denver Foundation Collinus Newsome graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a six-time NCAA All- American Athlete in Track and Field. She received her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado Boulder and is the Director of Education at the Denver Foundation.
Julian Brave Noisecat - Journalist, Writer, Social Activist, Policy Analyst 350.org Raised in a single-mother household in Oakland, California, Julian is a proud member of the Canim Lake Band Tsq'escen and a descendant of the Lil'Wat Nation of Mount Currie. He studied history at Columbia University and the University of Oxford, where he was a Clarendon scholar. Before turning his attention to the climate movement, he was an Urban Fellow in the Commissioner’s Office of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development. Julian’s belief that Indigenous peoples can contribute to understanding and solving the world's most pressing challenges inspires his work. He is leading an effort to bring an Indigenous canoe journey to the San Francisco Bay in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Alcatraz occupation. He has written pieces for The Guardian, The Nation, The Paris Review, CBC, Vice, Pacific Standard, HuffPost, Dissent, Jacobin, Fusion, and Indian Country Today among others. He is a correspondent for Real America with Jorge Ramos, contributing editor at Canadian Geographic and has appeared as a commentator on Marketplace, CBC, Al Jazeera, TVO, Fusion TV and France 24.
Darius Pardner - Admissions Counselor, University of Colorado Colorado Springs Darius received a bachelor’s degree in Organizational and Strategic Communication from University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Along with his work in college admissions, Darius created educational initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion, including residential learning communities for first generation students on college campuses and hosting college application workshops. Darius is working on his master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education Leadership with an emphasis in black male success in higher education. He volunteers at his local church and partners with Save Our Youth, a mentoring program for Black youth in Denver.
Roger Patrazio - Human Trafficking Task Force Chairman and El Paso County business owner
30 Natalie Petrucci, Esq. - RMIAN Children’s program Natalie Petrucci joined RMIAN's Children's Program as a University of California President's Public Service Law Fellow in 2017. She graduated from UCLA Law with specializations in Critical Race Studies and Public Interest Law and Policy. Prior to law school, Natalie served in the Peace Corps in Panama, and advocated on behalf of people in prison with medical and disability needs at the Prison Law Office in Berkeley, CA. During law school, Natalie worked with attorneys at Public Council to represent asylum seekers, conducted legal research to support the ICE Out of LA Coalition, and proudly served as the Co- Editor in Chief of the Chicana/o-Latina/o Law Review. Natalie also interned with the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, and PASE Legal Services, a farmworker rights organization in Chinandega, Nicaragua. Natalie graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sustainability Studies. She is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Tia Phillip - Denver School of Science and Technology A recent graduate of Colorado College, Tia has spent the last 4 years examining character stereotypes in films and literature and deconstructing Eurocentric media representations. One of her favorite projects is a feature-length screenplay centered on multiracial male identity, black masculinity, colorism, and ideas of migration/immigration.
Will Phillips - Entrepreneur Nation Will Phillips has more than forty years of entrepreneurial, executive management, and leadership experience with companies like IBM and Silicon Valley technology start-ups. He is a community leader with service on both profit and nonprofit boards.
Jasmine Poblano - UNC student Jasmine Poblano is a first generation, second-year college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mexican-American Studies with Social Studies licensure and a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) endorsement at the University of Northern Colorado. A proud Chicana, she is passionate about the implementation of Ethnic-studies classes at the secondary level. After graduation, she hopes to return to her hometown of Colorado Springs as an educator and continue advocating for children of color.
Paul Prosper, PhD. - Assistant Professor, United States Air Force Academy Paul’s teaching areas of expertise are Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management. He is certified as a “Senior Professional in Human Resources” by the Human Resources Certification Institute. Paul is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Toastmasters International (CC, CL), the Academy of Management, and Management Faculty of Color.
Honorable Matthew Ramirez - Colorado Springs Municipal Judge Matthew Ramirez is a municipal judge and civil attorney specializing in real estate transactions. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder and University of Colorado School of Law.
Pedro Ramirez - Associate Director of Access and Outreach, Colorado College Having worked in higher education for over 12 years, Pedro began his career at University of California (UC) Irvine, working at the California Alliance for Minority Participation Program (CAMP), increasing the quality and quantity of Students of Color in STEM majors at the UC System. He then went to UT Austin to work with student leadership initiatives at the Leadership & Ethics Institute for Undergraduates. He has spent the last seven years working in Undergraduate Admissions, particularly concentrated on Multicultural Outreach. Pedro received his master’s from University of Texas at Austin in Higher Education Administration and his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Chicano Studies from UC Irvine. He is currently the Associate Director of Access and Outreach at Colorado College.
Brenda Reese - Life Coach Brenda Reese is a motivational teacher and retired real estate broker. She is a dedicated life coach with a passion to help others achieve their personal and life goals. Brenda has two college degrees and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. She and her husband Rick have been married for over 36 years. They have two adult children, Brittany and Cameron, both of whom are college graduates. Brenda and Rick have lived in Colorado Springs since 1985 and love serving the community.
31 Rick Reese - Retired Military Officer, IT Professional, & Successful Entrepreneur Rick has been active in the Colorado Springs community since 2001. He is a 2003 graduate of Leadership Pikes Peak and an appointed community trustee. Rick is the former Chairman of the Colorado Springs Black Leadership Forum, Inc. He has organized and served on several national and local nonprofit boards and commissions. He is a retired Air Force officer and worked as a software development project manager. Rick and his wife Brenda are a power couple, social entrepreneurs, and have been self-employed since 2005.
Mark Romero - Lieutenant, Colorado Springs Fire Department
Don Roycraft - Ret. El Paso County Sheriff Office A former El Paso County Sheriff’s deputy, Don has been doing Choking Game awareness presentations ever since 2011.
Staci Ruddy - Colorado PTA Vice President for Field Service Staci Ruddy began volunteering with PTA in 2007. She has held numerous positions at the local unit, council, and state level. She currently serves as the Colorado PTA Vice President for Field Service. She partook in a National PTA training focused on the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships and has become an expert on the National PTA School of Excellence program.
Darlene Sampson, Ph.D. - Equity Assistance Centers Dr. Sampson joined the Equity Assistance Centers after working as Clinical Field Faculty in the Department of Social Work at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Her previous work in schools as a director of culturally responsive education, coupled with teaching and social work in schools, rounds out her professional experiences. Her experience as a Black woman assist her with engaging empathically, particularly around the intersections of gender and race.
Gwen E. Samuel - Founder of the Connecticut Parents Union Ms. Gwen E. Samuel is a mom of children that attend Connecticut public schools. In her advocacy role, she has championed two historic parent-empowerment bills that became law in Connecticut. In 2017, Ms. Samuel launched a workshop series entitled “Urban Experience in Family and Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.)—Transitioning Teachers into Diverse Classrooms and Community.” She has also testified before the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education in the U.S. Congress. In recognition of her work, Parenting Magazine selected Ms. Samuel as one of 51 moms, representing their states, at the inaugural Mom Congress on Education and Learning in D.C. She was featured in the Parade Magazine Mother’s Day edition, “Moms We Love: Four Women Doing Amazing Work to Help Others.”
Dr. Vicki Schober, MD. - Medical Director, UCCS Wellness Center Dr. Vicki Schober is a Family Physician and the Medical Director of the UCCS Wellness Center. Her foci are wellness and disease prevention.
Susan Sharkey - National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), Denver
Paul Simmons - ADA Information Specialist, Rocky Mountain ADA Center Paul was a proactive Deaf activist in South Africa and became the first Deaf chairperson elected to lead the largest and oldest Deaf organization in South Africa. He made this organization fully multiracial when South Africa’s Apartheid policies were in force. He graduated from Gallaudet in 2000, and has obtained his second M.S. degree in Deaf Education from McDaniel College in Westminster. After a three-year lectureship at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, Paul returned to the United States in 2011. Paul has taught English, Deaf Studies and International Disability Rights Movements at Gallaudet University.
Warren Snipe - Entertainer Using the stage name WAWA, Warren is a deaf writer, rapper and performer. He was featured in the R&B artist Maxwell's "Fingers Crossed" lyric video and completed an album called "Deaf: So What.” He graduated from Gallaudet University in 1994 and was a founding member of the Wild Zappers, an all-male deaf dance company. He has worked with The National Deaf Dance Company and has been featured on television and in music videos as a dancer. He has labeled his genre as "Dip Hop," which means Hip Hop through Deaf eyes.
32 Taj Stokes - Co-Founder and Executive Director of Thrive Colorado Springs. Taj is a graduate of Colorado Bible College. He ran his own successful financial investment office in California, before returning to Colorado Springs in 2013 and became lead pastor of Passion City Church. He co-founded the CityServe weekend, which brings together over 100 churches to serve the city & worship together over one weekend. He is the co-founder and executive director of Thrive Colorado Springs, a revitalization program that helps residents in southeast Colorado Springs start their own small businesses and organizations to transform the community from the inside out. In the past three years Thrive has helped start over 30 small businesses.
Victoria Stone - Executive Director, Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission Victoria has worked in the Colorado Springs Community for the last 20 years and has dedicated the last 10 years of her career to championing youth issues, from homelessness to education risk, and is currently working on ways to dismantle the cradle to prison pipeline through an education program. She is the executive director of the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission and is excited about using Social Justice, Activism, and Nonviolence to create opportunities for the youth of Colorado Springs and El Paso County.
Carolyn Strong - Anti-bullying Leader and Educator Carolyn Strong is a motivational educator with an anti-bullying message of hope for children, families, and schools. She is the author of Black Girl Blues. She holds multiple master’s degrees in both Curriculum and Educational leadership and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in curriculum and social inquiry. Carolyn's research focuses on bullying and the black aesthetic, girl bullying and minority representation in gifted education. She is currently Dean of Students in a high school serving more than 1,500 young people. For more information about Carolyn Strong please visit www.blackgirlblues.com!
Suavé - Founder, HipHop ConnXion Suavé is the founder of The HipHop ConnXion, which is globally known and respected as one of the top hip hop companies in the U.S. He has appeared in various music videos and movies including Walt Disney’s Just Visited and as a specialist dancer in the hit movie Save the Last Dance. He was a choreographer for the independent movie Dreams and played a cameo role as a dancer and teacher for the movie. He has performed before 60,000 at the b96 B-Bash along with such artists as P-Diddy, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, and Nelly. He is a performance coach for stars, actors, and recording artists, having worked with Roshon Fegan (Shake It Up and Camp Rock) and Jessy Schram (The Mentalist, House, American Pie, and Without a Trace). Suavé has taught abroad in Norway, Colombia, and England and has guest taught and judged competitions around the world. He serves on the faculty for the Manhattan Dance Project’s National/International Tour. www.hiphopconnxion.com | facebook.com/sauveconnxion | facebook.com/hiphopconnxion | Personal Instagram & Twitter: @sauveconnxion | Business Instagram & Twitter: @hiphopconnxion
Jill Tiefenthaler, Ph.D. - President, Colorado College Jill Tiefenthaler became Colorado College’s 13th president on July 1, 2011. She is a leading scholar in the field of the economics of higher education. After receiving her M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Duke University, she joined the faculty of Colgate University in 1991, where she also served as department chair, associate dean of the faculty, and senior adviser to the president. Before becoming president of Colorado College, she was Provost and Professor of Economics at Wake Forest University.
Honorable Bill Trujillo - Magistrate, 4th Judicial District Magistrate Trujillo is a native of Colorado Springs and a graduate of Coronado High School. He began his legal career in 1989 as a public defender. In 1994 he began a practice specializing in juvenile law and the representation of parents in dependency and neglect cases. He was appointed to the bench in 2005.
Petra Verhoeven-Jordan - Parent and advocate Born and raised in Germany, a mother with four children, Petra lives in Colorado Springs. In 2011, she and her family suffered a tragedy, when her son died from the "Choking Game,” a dangerous activity that hundreds of children and teenagers die from every year. Since that traumatic event, she has become an awareness presenter on this subject.
33 Teresa Vogt, M.Ed., C.H.E.S.O - El Paso County Public Health Department A community health educator with “Fountain Valley Communities That Care,” Teresa oversees the Fountain Valley Teen Advisory Board through El Paso County Public Health. This effort is rooted in the Positive Youth Development approach. Teresa has learned to take a back seat to the teenagers on the board to allow them to use their creativity to shape and impact youth substance use prevention within the Fountain Valley community. She is a graduate of the Health Behavior and Health Education Master of Education program at the University of Texas at Austin.
Durthy A. Washington - Springs Seminarz Durthy Washington is a writer and former English professor. She is the founder/owner of “Springs Seminarz,” which offers seminars on reading "Literature Through the Lens of Culture."
Lauren Weiss - Boettcher Scholar, Colorado College Lauren Weiss is a 2017 Boettcher Scholar, majoring in Computer Science at Colorado College. She developed, coded, and designed two iPhone apps while living in San Francisco. She loves to teach younger students how to code, and Google has sponsored her to mentor students in Computer Science since she was a junior in high school. When she is not working on her latest project, she is running and taking advantage of all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer.
Trey White - El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) Born in Chicago, Trey earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado Boulder, in 2005, where he also played basketball. In addition to his roles at EPSO, where he began working in 2006, he is currently assigned as a Federal Task Force Officer with the United States Secret Service. His law enforcement goals are to create dialogue with the community while working together to create solutions.
Willy Wilkinson, MPH - Writer and Public Health Consultant Mr. Wilkinson is an award-winning writer, public health consultant, cultural competency trainer, public speaker, and spoken word performer. He is the author of the Lambda Literary Award-winning book, Born on the Edge of Race and Gender: A Voice for Cultural Competency, which illuminates trans experience from a Chinese American and mixed heritage perspective, and transforms the memoir genre into a cultural competency tool. Willy conducts a high volume of LGBTQ training for educators and providers and presents annually at the California Teachers Association conference. He is the recipient of a National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Award, and the Transgender Law Center Vanguard Award, and is recognized on the Trans 100. He lives in Oakland, California with his three vibrant, young kids. Learn more at www.willywilkinson.com.
Victor Woods - Author and Inspirational Speaker Victor Woods is a nationally recognized speaker & has appeared on CNN, ABC News, C-Span, & BET. In addition, his autobiography, A Breed Apart, was published by Simon & Schuster. A TV series depicting his life story is currently being adapted by Warner Brothers Studios in Hollywood.
Myla Wray - Educator and parent Myla Wray is an art educator and college education consultant. Wray has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Art from DePaul University in Chicago. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education and Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Masters of Arts in Art Therapy from Rush University and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
34 35 Transforming Safety Grant
The Woodford Founda on for Limited Government
36 George Harris Memorial Scholarship
Grant Dewey
Mi e and Manny Pedraza and Grant Dewey‐Rachel Pedraza Dewey Scholarship
37 Tracy Sco & Ann Delores Sco Castaways Founda on Memorial Scholarship Colorado Bar Associa on FED EX Emmanuel Missionary Bap st Church
Front Porch Giving Circle Fund of Pike Peak Community Founda on
Margaret Bailey
Ronald Reynold 4th Judicial District Hun ngton Learning Center Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Debbie Gries ECOC Inc., Board Members Anonymous John Wallace Carol Sullivan
Viki Brown Gary Smith
Jess Huber Rochelle Whitney Jennifer Beyer Phyllis and Harry Yamamura Karen Bowers Evelyn Taylor Robert McGee Rebecca Gallegos Sasha Brunton Carlos Perez Kathy Robbins Holly Haverkorn Shameeka Ford
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